Elephant
UPDATED
Indie alternative artist Elephant, the moniker of Dundalk songwriter Shane Clarke, is back with a new single "Young" set to release on March 3rd. The song is an ode to embracing and loving oneself for the unique qualities that make each person who they are. In Elephant's own words, "Young is all about loving the unique things that make you you. Do you like to dance around the house in your pajamas? Dine out in restaurants alone? Put the TV on just for the company? Are you afraid of the dark, heights, or just being alone? Are you single and nearing 40? Do you want me to stop asking questions?! Love yourself, you're too young to be worrying about all that."
Elephant's previous work has earned him critical acclaim, with his debut album "Hypergiant" receiving a 9/10 rating from The Last Mixed Tape and "88," a double LP concept album, earning 5 stars from The Irish Times. His most recent album, "Ice Cream," released during the pandemic in 2021, received high praise as an "instant indie gem" from TLMT and was named Album of the Week by Live95.
For "Young," Elephant turns his attention inward to the subconscious. The inspiration for the song came from a difficult time in his life, where he was dealing with sickness and the effects of the pandemic. As he explains, "Right before you ever heard the words covid 19 uttered, I was sick. I was so sick I was on antibiotics, steroids and inhalers, barely able to breathe...I was forced to move into my sitting room because I didn’t have the energy to get up my stairs. I had a single mattress on the floor, in the corner of the room, with half a dozen pillows used to keep me propped up as I tried to sleep."
Elephant then goes on to describe his experiences with sleepwalking, which he had never experienced before. His honest and vulnerable reflections on his own struggles make "Young" a deeply personal and relatable song, encouraging listeners to embrace their own unique quirks and qualities.
With its catchy melodies and Elephant's signature vocals, "Young" is sure to be a hit with fans and newcomers alike. The single releases on March 3rd, and fans can look forward to more from Elephant as he continues to explore his inner self and produce incredible music.
Dry Cleaning - Scratchcard Lanyard
Dry Cleaning are a new band for me. This is the first song I heard from them and I immediately loved it. Its Joy Division-y and has an excellent vocal…“do everything and feel nothing”. There’s something about a female English accent speaking softly over a good tune that just does it for me. So much so, I’ve actually used this very trope myself in my last album haha!
G.S.K. - Squid
Squid sound like what I hoped the new Modest Mouse stuff would sound more like but doesn’t…with a heaped teaspoon of jazz for extra flavour. The vocals are really alive and arrangements are complex and really fun…I can’t wait for the opportunity to hear this song live.
Town’s Dead - Kojaque
I reckon Kojaque is my favourite current Irish artist. Everything he puts out just hits me completely. I think that he’s found a unique sound, or call it flow or style or whatever the kids say…but you can’t mistake him, that is for sure. He hasn’t put a finger wrong and Town’s Dead is one of his strongest yet.
with pure crystal teeth - The Olllam
I struggled with how to place two songs on this playlist. This was the first! Where do you put 7 minutes of 7/4 modern-trad on a playlist?!…turns out it’s right after Kojaque funnily enough. If you know the Olllam ill just shut up…if you don’t, I’ll just shut up too. ‘Nuff said?
Marlene Dietrich - Black Midi
Black Midi have been blowing peoples minds the last while with the singles from their new album Cavalcade. I chose this odd crooner because it was so unexpected for me on the album and it shows such a different side to the band from what I’d heard…and its so pretty, god damn.
The First Day - Villagers
It’s no secret that I’m a huge Villagers fan. I have been since I heard the first album and couldn’t get over that it was from a guy an hour up the road from me. That was one of the reasons I decided I actually could do a solo album..and now Im releasing my 3rd! So thank you Villagers ;) This is such a gorgeous song, that brass hook is everything. Conor’s voice is so pure, it really gets right into my chest…you know that feeling, where music has an actual physical effect on your body…”feels like floating”
Freeze Tag (feat. Phoenix) - Terrance Martin
I came across this song because Kamasi Washington plays sax on it and he and his band have been such a huge thing for me for a while. But rather than add one of his, I’m adding this because its such a beautiful tune. Terrance Martin is a legend and obviously does a lot of collaborative work, something I would like to do more of.
Road Head - Japanese Breakfast
Writing the new album this last couple of years, I’ve really gotten into a more relaxed and simple style of writing…rather than the throwing in everything but the kitchen sink, I’m more…making tea and throwing the spoon in the sink and sitting the fuck down to chill. That is what this song makes me feel…chilled out. I really love it.
Jamie - Æ MAK
This song came on my “generic streaming service” while driving home from work one day recently and though I had already heard it and loved it…this time was different. I got such a vibe from the track that I listened to it again two more times in a row. Aoife and co are doing amazing things, and have really hit a new level of late. This is my favourite Æ MAK track yet
Spinning Song - Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds
And here we have the other song that was impossible to place in this playlist. Its a near 5 minute synth experiment that I find soul destroying….just crushingly sad…so where do you put that? Oh right. At the end. At the end of all things maybe…i hope that’s where this song will be for me… the last thing, at the end of all things… “peace will come for us
